1. What should I do if I find a crack in my toilet?
Any size crack in a toilet is a ticking time bomb. At any time it could start leaking. This could lead to major water damage in your home especially if you are not home to shut the water off. Shut the water off to your toilet by turning the shut off valve underneath your toilet and get your toilet replaced. Calling a plumber is recommended unless you are confident in doing this job yourself.
2. How do I know if it's time to replace my hot water tank?
It's a good idea to inspect your hot water tank regularly. That way you will notice if changes have occurred. Some signs to look for are water leakage, a ring of rust on the floor or you hear boiling sounds. If you find any of these or other unusual signs call a plumber immediately.
3. How hot should the water setting be on my hot water tank?
You should keep it as low as needed to supply you with enough hot water. Scalding water from the tap can easily injure skin especially on young children. The setting should NEVER be on Maximum. If you find yourself turning it up to produce enough hot water or if it is already quite high and not fulfilling your needs then you should call a plumber because your dip tube might need replacing.
4. Is there anything I should do to prepare my home for winter?
Find the water shut off valves for outside taps and turn them off. They are usually located near the wall in the basement ceiling close to where the faucet is located on the outside. Then bleed the water out of the line by turning on the outside tap and turning it off again once there water is all out. Also remove you garden hoses from the tap and drain the water from them. Water expands when it freezes and will crack your hoses if they are not properly drained.
Your furnace probably hasn't run all summer and can be dusty. You may want to get it professionally cleaned and inspected. As a home owner you should change your furnace filters and inspect the thermocouple or igniter for burnt wires or anything unusual.
5. My dishwasher isn't cleaning as well as it used to. Is there anything I can do to make it better?
CLR is great for cleaning dishwashers but be sure to follow the instructions. There are also other products available in supermarkets that may be effective as well. Also check the bottom strainers for visible foreign objects or clogs that can be easily removed.
6. What is the best way to clean my drains when they are clogged.
You can try a plunger and some commercial products when used according to directions may be helpful but the BEST way is to call a plumber. A plumber has access to industrial products that are extremely effective but dangerous for consumer use. You may also need your drain cleared by a special tool that your plumber has called a snake.
7. My tap won't stop dripping no matter how hard I tighten it, what should I do?
Your tap may be stripped. You might need to replace the washers and seats or the cartridge. If you are not confident in attempting these repairs you should call a plumber.
8. Do you have any tips on reducing my water bill?
Do not allow your taps to run when you are brushing your teeth, fill a cup. Do not allow you taps to run when washing/rinsing dishes, fill the sink. Repair leaking faucets and running toilets. These simple steps could reduce your water bill significantly. There are also many types of high efficient products available on the market today. Some products you may want to consider are shower heads, taps, toilets and washing machines.
9. What can be done to prevent water in my basement?
You can have your plumber install a Sump Pump and /or a Back Water Valve. You may be eligible for a partial rebate from your city. Check your city's website or call.
10. The caulking around my tub is moldy or coming away from the edge. What should I do?
These problems can cause water damage to your home and should be fixed by removing the caulking and replacing it. Be sure the area is clean dry prior replacing and not be used for at least 24 hours after. Proper caulking should be waterproof and mold resistant. If you are not confident in attempting these repairs, call a plumber.
If your question was not answered here please contact us by phone or email and we will be happy to assist you and possibly add your question to our list of FAQ's to help others with the same problem.
